Posts: 1 to 25 of 42

Topic: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

It is with the greatest sadness that I say that my dad's journey ended this morning at 12.30am on the 10th. His final hours were very peaceful and he slept the entire day and into the night.

Mum and I were called to the hospice at 8.30 yesterday morning and spent all day by his bedside. We were joined by my aunt in the afternoon and for some of the evening. Dad took his last breaths with me by his side holding him and with his nurse also with him.

Dad fought a brave fight and we are glad that his final hours were peaceful. His hospice nurses were amazing and took the utmost care to ensure that dad was comfortable and could spent his final hours with the dignity that he lived his whole life with. They also took the best possible care of Mum and I and for that, I am also so grateful. Shona, dad's Macmillan nurse was also with us and spent some time with mum on her own. I know dad would appreciate that and everything else she did for us all.

Dad, it was a great honour to stand shoulder to shoulder with you in this fight and to see it through to the end with you. And all the time being with you by your side. You took a lot of knocks along the road, but you always came back swinging and fought this with great bravery, pride and honour.

You will never ever be forgotten and are loved by us all dearly.

Gavin

Any advice or comments I give are based on personal experiences and knowledge and are my opinions only, they are not to be substituted for professional medical advice. Please seek professional advice from a qualified doctor or medical professional.

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

Dear Gavin,

I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your dear Dad. I am glad his passing was peaceful. Your posting is a wonderful tribute to him. I know how much you and your Mum will miss him, but atleast he is no longer suffering from this horrible disease. He will be with you forever in your heart and memories. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you now travel the sad journey of mourning and grievieng. Take care of yourself and your Mum now Gavin.

Love & Hugs,Darla

"One Day At A Time"

All of my comments and suggestions are just my opinions and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care providers.

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

Dear Gavin and to your mum also. It is with a heavy heart I read your post. You and your dad together fought a mighty battle and in a way you did win in the end as dad passed with Peace and Dignity. Your hearts are sad but your dad will still bring you great comfort as he walks beside you and he will love you for eternity. Teddy and I send our loving thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHINGAny suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

Dear Gavin,

I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. I have followed your posts and know you were devoted to your father and to his fight against this horrible disease. Your description sounds very much like the peaceful passing of Gary 8 weeks ago. Hospice is wonderful and they truly do give your loved one all the respect and dignity they deserve. We cannot be sorry they are relieved of their pain, but they will be missed forever.

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

Dear Gavin,Sending my deepest condolences to you and your Mom. You are a wonderful, kind and caring son. I know your Dad was so very proud of you. I hope the grieving goes well for you and your Mom. This next battle is very difficult. My heartfelt prayers to you both.Namaste,Karen

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

Dear Gavin, I'm so, so sorry to hear your news; this is a post I did not want to appear on the boards, although it was becoming clear that it would not be long before it did. You have given me such strength as you journeyed through this with your dad & I am so grateful to you for sharing the journey with us.

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in knowing he is pain free now.

I heard a remarkable story last night. A new friend had lost her best friend to cancer 7 years ago. When the final news from the doctor was delivered, she promised her friend she would remain by her side until the end. The friend's children stayed at her house with her husband while she and the friend's husband were at her bedside-- for 4 months! At the moment of her passing, her friend opened her eyes, looked at her and said "It's so beautiful!"

I hope you can find comfort as I did that wherever they are, it is a beautiful place!

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

Gavin,I am so very sorry to read about your Dad's passing. My deepest sympathies to you and your Mom. You are a wonderful and caring son to have been there for him throughout this painful journey. You are in my thoughts, Ashley

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

I didn't want to see this post but I sensed it was coming. My heart goes out in sadness to you and your Mom but I rejoice that your Dad's passing was peaceful and dignified.

You are an amazing man and a wonderful legacy left by your Dad on this earth. I know his passing was made much easier knowing he was leaving your Mom in your capable hands.

I know the emotions you will go through in the coming days will stagger you at times but I promise you'll find the strength to see you through.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Much love and many, many hugs...

Pam

My Mom lost her one year battle with CC on April 3, 2009.

"A prognosis is simply an audit of how truly precious each day is. Live each day to the maximum, celebrate what was, and what is - Don't spend your life looking forward to what will or might be." .... words of wisdom from my beloved son on hearing of his grandmother's CC prognosis.

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

P.S. Gavin, I know I had my turn but Walk jarred my mind about my dad and I felt it bore repeating:

My dad at the age of 93 had gall bladder surgery. Came home and was fine. The next day he went in to a very deep, peaceful sleep. We could not wake him. I called the paramedics and they could not wake him. They did the infamous breast rub and he jumped awake. Mom sat on the bed and said, Norman, "I was so scared you wouldn't wake up!"(At this point I have to interject that my dad believed in nothing he could not explain. Heaven, magic etc. He also was not very descriptive.)He answers mom, "I just had a beautiful dream, I saw Heaven." We went to ER and my daughter joined us there. She said "Grandpa, I heard you had a dream." He said, "Yes, Robin, I saw Heaven and it was so beautiful." He came home and passed the next day. If I never believed before I sure did after that.Heaven is Beautiful!

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHINGAny suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

GavinMy deepest sympathies to you and your Mom. You have been an inspiration to me as you stood side-by-side with your dad in your struggle with CC over the past months. I'm so pleased his death was peaceful and you were with him at the end.

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

Hi Gavin, I'm so sorry to read your news today, my deepest sympathies to you & your mum. If there is any consolation to be had right now, your dad had his loved ones around him right to the end & he was made as comfortable as possible. Be sure we're all thinking of you during the coming days (& weeks).

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

Gavin, I am so sorry to hear your sad news, but I can also say that I know heaven is a beautiful place. I was with my Husband Butch when he left this world to go to heaven, and he did it with a smile on his lips and eyes that were at peace. We still mourn, axs we are "left behind", but we have the assurance of knowing where they are.

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

Gavin,I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Your father must have been a great man to raise such a caring and compassionate son like you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. It really breaks my heart to know loved ones are being lost to this disease. Take care of yourself Gavin. Love, Hollie (Sophie's niece)

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

Hello Gavin,As I read you post today, it took me back to Dec 31, 2007 when my wonderful father took his last breathe. Your father was surronded by those that loved him dearly, that was important.Take care of yourself and keep the memories of your dad, that will not go away and it will keep you going.

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

Dear Family,

Thank you all so much for your kind words, support, prayers and condolences. They mean so very much to me and my mum. I have passed all your messages on to mum and she wants me to pass on her thanks to you all.

These recent days have been very difficult indeed as you could imagine and words can not describe how much we miss dad. I am doing everything I can to support mum and help her in any way that I can and dads funeral is on Wednesday afternoon.

Once again, thank you all so very very much.

My very best wishes to you all

Gavin

Any advice or comments I give are based on personal experiences and knowledge and are my opinions only, they are not to be substituted for professional medical advice. Please seek professional advice from a qualified doctor or medical professional.

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

Hya Gavin so sorry to hear your news. I look in on our family every night before bedtime and guessed time was an element in your journey.

I know from experience what this journey can be like and all we all can hope is that our loved ones have a peaceful ending. Right now as of today my oldest son has driven down from scotland to spend a night with us on his way to Coventry to a meeting concerning his work (charity) with children in Glagow. He also tries to do his best whilst living such a long way from us. He knows also what cc. is like when he lost his brother and living some 300 miles away was'nt and easy time for him.I wish you and mom peace and special time especially over christmas and I know you will talk about when you were a wee boy and how dad looked after you. love and light Alans mom

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

Dear GavinSo sorry to hear about your dad. You and your mom are in my thoughts. Your dad seemed like such a funny yet dignified person - I feel I knew him through your posts. I wish you some peace in the rough days ahead.Joyce M

Re: Ronald John Strachan - Goodbye Dad

Gavin,I am so very sorry for your loss. It seems like only a couple of weeks ago he was enjoying those special foods at the daycare center. I dont have the words, I am sure there arent any, but know you and your family are in my prayers.

The information expressed is not medical advice. The discussion boards are not intended to replace the services of a trained health professional or to be a substitute for the medical advice of physicians or other healthcare providers. Read the full disclaimer.